Park, Rev. Ferd
3/7/2011
Rev. Dr. Ferd Brownlee Park, 80, of Indiana, died after an extended illness on Monday, March 7, 2011 with his loving family around him.
Born May 17, 1930 in Munhall, he was the son of the late Ferd B. and Mary Bishop Park.
Ferd graduated from Munhall High School in 1948. After learning his machinist trade at U.S. Steel in Homestead, Ferd experienced a call to the pastoral ministry. He graduated from Waynesburg College, where he majored in history. During his college years at Waynesburg, he served the Jefferson Methodist Church in Greene County. Following graduation from college, attended New York Biblical Seminary (in New York City) where he graduated in 1963 with a Master of Divinity degree. During his years in seminary he served two churches in rural upstate New York.
He was ordained by the United Methodist Church in 1961. Subsequent to his ordination, he was appointed as an associate pastor to Ingomar Methodist Church in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. He went on to experience thriving pastorates at West Washington United Methodist Church in Indiana, Grace United Methodist Church in Grove City and Grace United Methodist Church in Indiana. In 1984, he became the United Methodist District Superintendent of the Johnstown District, a ministry that he offered for six years. Following the superintendency, he served in two pastoral appointments; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park and Oil City Grace United Methodist Church. Upon retiring from full time ministry in 1995, Ferd and his wife Lura Jean returned to Indiana, where they have spent their retirement.
Ferd will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Lura Jean Gibson Park, of Indiana; two sons: David Park and wife Isabel, of Erie; Eric S. Park and wife Tara, of Washington; a daughter, Cynthia Bersamina and husband Elias, of Johnstown. Ferd had three granddaughters: Naomi Bersamina, Rachelle Bersamina and Quilla Park. He is also indebted to his loving extended family, Lynn and David Nelson of Ohio. Ferd was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Albert; and two sisters: Mary Jane and Agnes.
Relatives and friends may visit from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Robinson-Lytle, Inc. in Indiana and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church in Indiana. A Service of Worship praising God and celebrating Ferd Park’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Eric Park (Ferd’s son), Rev. Greg Golden and Rev. Dr. Brad Lauster.
The private interment will take place at Jefferson Memorial Park on Monday.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ferd’s memory to Family Hospice and Palliative Care of Indiana County, 850 Hospital Road, Suite 3000, Indiana, PA 15701, which provided compassionate and attentive care for Ferd in his final days.
